Q. I’m over 50 years of age and I’m looking for work. I wonder if I should state the year of my college graduation when I post my resume on the Internet.
A. Absolutely not. Not anywhere. And do not reply to questions about the date of your high school graduation, either. The request usually is the employer’s sneaky way of trying to find out your age, which is illegal. And during the job interview, don’t show your driver’s license either: It gives your birth date.
Q. I’ve been dividing my time between looking for a job and planning my dream wedding. My dilemma is that my fiance and I have scheduled our honeymoon plans for two weeks this fall. How–and at what point during the interview–do I broach the subject of a specific vacation request?
A. I see nothing wrong with your request, but wait till the job offer is made. Then, just state in a straightforward manner that you will be away for two weeks for your honeymoon. Don’t be defensive or apologetic. Consider it your right.
Q. I currently am in sales but want to switch careers. Though I have been successful in my field, I get extremely nervous and tongue-tied during an interview. Any suggestions would be helpful.
A. You might benefit from one-on-one career counseling or from a few sessions with a speech therapist. Meanwhile, at your next interview, imagine that you, an experienced sales person, are making a sale. And the product is you.
Q. I worked in assembly at a factory for 15 years, but when the plant moved to Mexico, I lost my job and decided to stay home with my young children. But now it’s 10 years later, they’re teenagers–and I can’t get a job anywhere. If I say I stayed home with my kids, it’s a big no-no. I feel as if I’m being punished for raising my family, but no employer even wants to interview me. What’s your advice?
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A. Many other women who took time out to be with their kids tell me they have the same problem. I suggest working for a temporary agency that places assemblers and other factory workers. You need current references and experience, and you’ll get both.
Q. I am leaving a job where management is incompetent and employees are taken advantage of. It was an awful place. How should I describe this to the people I interview with? Do I tell them that I was underpaid or about the fact that I worked 60-plus hours a week?
A. Don’t ever say anything negative or critical about your last employer, the job you held, management or colleagues. It only reflects badly on you. But find out a lot more about prevailing work conditions before you accept the job.
Q. Is there a list of companies that have a track record of preventing women from moving up in management? I’m interested because unless there is a lawsuit against the company, we don’t usually hear about it.
A. There is no list: Almost all companies systematically discriminate against women. That’s why there’s a pervasive glass ceiling and continuing unequal pay. To find firms that fairly promote women, check out companies that interest you and look for women’s names among CEOs, vice presidents and other top executives.
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Carol Kleiman’s column also appears in Sunday’s and Tuesday’s Business sections. Watch her Career Coach segments on CLTV. Send e-mail to [email protected].